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| Valentine's Day Jazz Concert at Terrace Theater |
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With a unique musical perspective and intimate voice, singer/songwriter Brenda Russell proves that talent only deepens with time. Russell is composer of the classics "Get Here," "If Only For One Night," and the Grammy-nominated "Piano In The Dark." Her songwriting prowess and chameleon-like ability to shift between musical genres trumpeted ovations in 2005 with her co-writing of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Color Purple. Phil Perry first came to the attention of music fans as the lead singer of the Montclairs, with "Dreamin’s Out of Season" in 1970. After moving to Los Angeles in 1979 Perry eventually became one of the most sought-after back-up vocalists in the area collaborating with artists such as Barbara Streisand, Dave Koz, and Bill Withers. Presently, Perry is writing and recording a duo project with the Tony Award-winning songstress, Melba Moore, due to be released before the end of 2009. Her sizzling mix of hot beats, Latin and samba rhythms, captivating melodies, and model looks, make Mexican-American saxophonist/singer Jessy J. quite the sensation. Her debut CD, Tequila Moon, earned her such accolades as Radio and Records’ Debut Artist of The Year and Contemporary Jazz Song of the Year by R&R and Billboard for the title track. Gail Jhonson began playing piano at age 10. Proving herself as gifted musician, she advanced quickly and at age 14 played her first gigs on the organ with numerous local Funk and R&B bands. She later performed as a jazz pianist with several jazz bands and other popular Philadelphia artists before moving to Los Angeles. Jhonson is currently music director, keyboardist and vocalist for Norman Brown. Two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Jonathan Butler began touring at the age of seven. He then joined a traveling stage show, and was later signed to perform on a string of hit recordings. In 1978 he began expressing himself as a composer and songwriter when he joined Cape Town's best known jazz/rock outfit, Pacific Express. In 2006, Butler was featured vocalist on the CD Gospel Goes Classical, produced by music professor Henry Panion. Butler is an honored artist who still maintains a loyal following today. "It is an honor to have such a talented and diverse group of Jazz musicians come together for this special concert," said Dan Spellens, Director of Theaters & Entertainment for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. "We are excited to welcome Norman Brown and company back to the Long Beach Terrace Theater." |